Introduction: Understanding the Business Manager Visa in Japan
Learn how to bring your family on a Business Manager Visa in Japan. This visa not only allows you to establish and operate a business in Japan, but also gives you the chance to have your loved ones—such as your spouse and children—join you through a Dependent Visa. Having your family with you can ease the transition and provide meaningful support as you settle into life and work in Japan.
The Business Manager Visa (経営・管理 Keiei-Kanri) is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start or manage a business in Japan. It permits you to live and work in the country while running your company—whether you’re launching a new venture or opening a branch of an existing one. As part of Japan’s initiative to attract foreign business and investment, the visa is typically issued for one to five years and can be renewed depending on your business performance and compliance with regulations.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria, step-by-step application process, financial requirements, and the rights available to your dependents when joining you in Japan on a Business Manager Visa.
Key Takeaways
| Business Manager Visa Overview | Allows you to live and work in Japan while managing your business. |
| Visa Qualification Requirements | Requires company establishment, office space, capital investment, hiring employees, and a business plan. |
| Dependent Visa for Family | Family members can join you in Japan on a dependent visa for support. |
| Work Rights for Family Members | Family members cannot work unless they apply for a work permit. |
| Health Insurance for Family | Family members must enroll in Japan’s health insurance system. |
Who Qualifies and the General Process
To qualify for the Business Manager Visa, you’ll need to meet a few important requirements:
- Company Establishment: You’ll need to have a registered company in Japan.
- Office Space: A physical office is required — virtual offices won’t work for this visa.
- Capital Investment: Typically, you’ll need to invest at least ¥5,000,000 to get started.
- Employment: Your business must hire at least two full-time employees in Japan, not including yourself.
- Business Plan: A solid business plan is essential, outlining your goals, market analysis, and financial projections.
By meeting these criteria, you’ll be on the right track to establish and manage your business successfully in Japan.
Why consider bringing your family with you?
Starting a business in Japan can be overwhelming, but having your family with you can make a big difference. With a dependent visa, your loved ones can join you, providing emotional support during the transition. They can help with daily life and offer comfort while you focus on getting your business off the ground. Having your family nearby can make the entire experience smoother and more rewarding.
Eligibility and Types of Family Members
What Types of Family Members Are Eligible for a Business Manager Visa?
Under Japan’s Business Manager Visa, the primary visa holder can bring their spouse and children as dependents. These family members can join the visa holder in Japan through a Dependent Visa, allowing them to reside in the country during the business setup and operation period.
Who Qualifies as Family Under the Business Manager Visa?
The legal definition of family for the purposes of the Business Manager Visa includes:
- Spouse
- Children
These family members are eligible to accompany the visa holder under a Dependent Visa. It is essential to understand the specific requirements to ensure eligibility for dependents.
Can You Bring Other Relatives Like Parents or Extended Family?
Bringing extended family members, such as parents or other relatives, may face restrictions. Eligibility for these family members depends on specific circumstances and may require additional documentation or justification. It is advisable to consult with immigration authorities or legal experts to clarify eligibility and understand the visa process for these family members:
- Japan Ministry of Justice: Official governmental body overseeing immigration and residency matters in Japan.
- Japan Immigration Services Agency: Handles visa applications and residency status changes.
- Embassy of Japan in the United States: Provides visa information and services for U.S. residents.
What Is the Difference Between a Business Manager Visa and a Spouse Visa in Japan?
The Business Manager Visa is designed for foreign nationals intending to start or manage a business in Japan, whereas the Spouse Visa is for individuals married to Japanese citizens or permanent residents. The requirements and eligibility criteria for these visas differ, impacting which family members can join the visa holder. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when planning to bring family members to Japan.
Visa Application Process for Family Members
Can Family Members Apply for a Visa from Outside Japan?
Yes, family members can apply for a dependent visa from outside Japan to join the primary visa holder. This allows your spouse and children (and possibly other close relatives) to live with you while you are managing your business in Japan. The process is fairly straightforward and helps keep your family together during your stay.
Key Documents Required for Family Member’s Visa Applications
To apply for a dependent visa, your family members will need to provide the following key documents:
- Passports for each family member.
- Marriage Certificate (for spouse) or Birth Certificates (for children) to verify your family relationship.
- Proof of Financial Support, such as bank statements, employment contracts, or other financial documents to show that you, as the primary visa holder, can support your family in Japan.
These documents are essential for ensuring that your application is processed smoothly.
Steps for Applying for a Dependent Visa in Japan
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a dependent visa:
- Prepare the Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including passports, marriage/birth certificates, and proof of financial support.
- Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE): As a Business Manager Visa holder, you will need to apply for a COE for your family members through Japanese immigration. The COE is a confirmation that your dependents are eligible to live in Japan.
- Submit the Visa Application: Once the COE is issued, your family members can submit their visa application at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Visa Issuance: After approval, your family members will receive their dependent visa, allowing them to travel to Japan and join you.
This process ensures that your family can join you in Japan while you establish and manage your business.
Financial and Support Requirements
What Financial Criteria Must Be Met to Bring Family Members on a Business Manager Visa?
When bringing your family with you on a Business Manager Visa, you’ll need to meet certain financial criteria. These ensure that you have enough income to support both yourself and your dependents while living in Japan. Immigration will assess your financial situation to confirm that you can provide for your family’s needs. The criteria typically include:
Sufficient Income
You must demonstrate enough income to support your family’s living expenses, including food, utilities, and other basic needs. To demonstrate sufficient income to support your family, you can provide:
- Income Statements or payslips showing your earnings.
- Bank Statements showing consistent financial resources.
- Tax Returns to show your declared income.
- Employment Contracts If you are employed.
- Proof of Business Earnings (e.g., financial reports if you own a business).
Housing
Proof that you can afford suitable accommodation for yourself and your dependents. To prove you can afford suitable accommodation, provide:
- Lease Agreement or rental contract showing your home and rental details.
- Proof of Rent Payments via receipts or bank statements.
- Property Ownership Documents if you own the property.
- Accommodation Details such as photos or descriptions to show it meets family requirements.
Healthcare
Evidence that you can cover healthcare and medical expenses for your family while in Japan. To prove you can cover healthcare costs for your family, provide:
- Health Insurance Proof showing coverage for you and your family.
- Insurance Policy Details outlining the coverage.
- Payment Records for health insurance or medical expenses.
Business Financial Stability
You must show that your business is generating enough income to cover both personal and business expenses. To prove your business is financially stable, provide:
- Financial Statements showing revenue.
- Tax Returns indicating income.
- Bank Statements showing cash flow.
- Business Contracts or invoices.
Do Family Members Need to Prove Their Financial Independence?
Generally, your family members will not need to show their own financial independence. The Business Manager Visa holder is responsible for supporting them financially. As long as you can demonstrate that you have the means to support your family, they won’t need to submit separate financial documents.
How Does Bringing Family Affect the Overall Visa Renewal Process?
Bringing your family to Japan can have an impact on the visa renewal process. Immigration authorities will review your financial situation, including your ability to support your family, when renewing your Business Manager Visa. To ensure your Business Manager Visa renewal in Japan, it’s important to meet the following income levels:
| Category | Income Level (¥) |
|---|---|
| Single Applicant | ¥180,000 – ¥200,000 |
| With Dependents | Over ¥200,000 |
| Long-term Stability (Permanent Residency) | ¥250,000 or more |
| Spouse | ¥100,000 – ¥150,000 |
| Each Child | ¥50,000 – ¥80,000 |
| Annual Business Sales | ¥10 million |
| Annual Business Expenses | ¥5 million |
Rights and Restrictions for Family Members
Do Family Members Have the Right to Work in Japan?
Family members on a dependent visa generally cannot work in Japan unless they apply for a work permit. While they are allowed to live in Japan with the primary visa holder, their ability to work depends on approval from immigration authorities. It’s important to understand the specific rules and apply for a work permit if your family member plans to seek employment. To apply for a work permit for family members on a dependent visa, you must:
- Submit an Application: Apply through the local immigration office in Japan.
- Provide Documents: Include necessary documents such as the dependent’s visa details, proof of employment, and the type of job they intend to take.
- Wait for Approval: Immigration authorities will review the application and, if approved, grant a work permit, allowing the dependent to work in Japan.
Are Family Members Required to Enroll in Health Insurance?
Yes, under Japanese law, all family members on a dependent visa must enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) system. Here’s what to do:
- Register at the Local Ward Office: Family members must register within 14 days of arrival or obtaining their dependent visa.
- Documents Needed: Provide passports, residence cards, and dependent visa documents.
- Health Insurance Card: After registration, each family member will receive a health insurance card, covering 70% of medical costs.
- Premium Payments: Monthly premiums are based on income and must be paid regularly.
Alternatively, private insurance can be used, but most people opt for NHI due to its wide coverage and affordability.
Can Family Members Attend School in Japan on a Business Manager Visa?
Children of Business Manager Visa holders can attend school in Japan, and there are several options to choose from. Public schools are free, but the lessons are in Japanese, so your child may need to know some Japanese to keep up. Private schools in Japan charge tuition and typically teach in both Japanese and English, while international schools follow foreign curriculums (e.g., American or British) and are more expensive.
To enroll your child, you’ll need to provide proof of residence, a residence card, the child’s passport, and possibly vaccination records. Education is mandatory for children aged 6 to 15, covering elementary and junior high school. Public schools teach in Japanese, but private and international schools often offer language support. The school year runs from April to March, with breaks in summer, winter, and spring. Make sure to research the requirements for the school you choose.
What Happens If a Family Member’s Visa Application is Denied?
If your family member’s dependent visa application is denied, there are steps you can take. First, find out the reason for the denial, whether it’s due to missing documents or insufficient financial support. Once you have a clear understanding, you can either reapply with the necessary corrections or appeal the decision if the issue is more complex.
For an appeal, you’ll need to submit additional evidence within a set timeframe (usually 1-2 months). It’s a good idea to consult with an immigration expert to help with the process. At SmartStart Japan, we can assist you every step of the way to improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Final Thoughts on Bringing Your Family on a Business Manager Visa
Having your family with you on a Business Manager Visa can make a world of difference as you settle into life in Japan. Not only does their support help ease the challenges of running a business in a new country, but it also makes the experience much more fulfilling. With your loved ones by your side, adjusting to life in Japan becomes a lot smoother, and you’re better equipped to focus on both your business and personal growth.
